Southampton City Council has taken delivery of 24 all-electric Renault Kangoo Z.E.33 Panel Vans.

The electric vans will be used in the upkeep of the city and contribute to the council’s goal of 90% of its fleet being zero-emission by 2030.

The target is part of Southampton City Council’s recently revealed Green City Plan 2030, which aims to tackle the affect of climate change.

As part of the Green City Plan, the council is introducing a non-charging clean air zone (CAZ).

Southampton City Council ordered the new Renault Kangoo Z.E.33 vans after winning a formal tender via the public sector framework. The new Renault electric fleet consists of one Crew Van version and a mixture of standard Panel Van and longer Maxi Panel body styles.

Councillor Steve Leggett, cabinet member for green city and place, said: “Southampton City Council set ambitious, challenging goals to help tackle climate change, this includes being a carbon neutral council by 2030.

“Our Green City Plan published in March, details our approach and principles for the next 10 years.

“Addressing road transport emissions by reducing the numbers of vehicles on our roads and encouraging drivers to switch to hybrid and electric vehicles is an essential part of our overall strategy.

“We are leading the way with our Fleet Modernisation Plan, as part of this we are adding the 24 new electric Renault Kangoo vans to our fleet.”

The new electric vans replace existing diesel vans on the council’s fleet and will be used by a variety of essential services including neighbourhood wardens and waste operations teams.

The usability of the zero-emissions-in-use vans has also been enhanced with the fitment of the optional heat pump, says Renault. Part of the air conditioning system, it produces heat or cools down the vehicle.

Acting like reversible air conditioning, it operates in both capacities while preserving the driving range that is available to SCC’s personnel.  

Optional towbars also allow the Council to carry small trailers to help with the vital upkeep of the city’s 49 parks, over 1,100 hectares of open space and cemeteries.

Vincent Tourette, managing director of Groupe Renault UK, said: “We are seeing a significant increase in the uptake of Renault electric vehicles by the public sector and it’s pleasing to see such an ambitious council such as Southampton utilise the Renault Kangoo Z.E.33 to help it reach its environmental goals.

“Groupe Renault have been manufacturing electric vans since 2011, and this proven technology allows our business customers to confidently switch to EVs without any concern that protecting their local environment will not be to the detriment of their operational capacity.”

Available in three body styles – Panel Van, Maxi Panel Van and Crew Van – the Renault Kangoo Z.E.33’s load area stretches up to 4.6 cubic metres, depending on the model.

Powered by a 44kW motor with 225Nm of torque and mated to a smooth single speed transmission it’s ideal for urban and open road deliveries, helped in no small part by a potential range of up to 143 miles (WLTP). The Renault Kangoo Z.E. is priced from £19,380, excluding VAT, after the Plug-in Van Grant.

Renault have been manufacturing its Z.E. range of electric commercial vehicles since 2011. Together with the Renault Kangoo Z.E.33, the line-up also comprises of the large Renault Master Z.E. (available as a Panel Van or Platform Cab) that is ideally suited for last mile deliveries.

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